How to Plan a Walt Disney World Vacation

Having worked for the Walt Disney Company for five years, I had the opportunity to assist many families with planning their dream Walt Disney World vacation. I also practice what I preach as my own family has our annual reunion at Walt Disney World every January. The park is so large and has so many options that visitors often feel overwhelmed. However, there are tools and tricks that can help you to make sure your trip is magical and that everyone in your group enjoys their Walt Disney World Vacation.

The first key to planning your Walt Disney World vacation begins with research. I highly recommend that first time travelers pick up Birnbaums Guide to Walt Disney World. It is available at all major bookstores and a new edition is printed each year. This book breaks down every activity on a park by park basis and gives you detailed information about each attraction and tips for navigating the lines. It also reviews every restaurant and provides you with sample itineraries for your day based on how much time you want to spend in each park. I also recommend checking out WWW.MOUSEPLANET.COM. They have weekly updates on Walt Disney World and will give you some advanced warning for any planned closures or refurbishments going on in the park or at the resorts.

When deciding when to travel, Keep in mind that the busiest times for year for Walt Disney World are the week between Christmas and New Years, Mid-March to Mid April when everyone is out for Spring Break, and the Summer months. Good rule of thumb to remember, if the kids are out of school Disney World will be a Zoo! The least crowded times of the year are always right after major schools breaks such as the early fall right after Labor Day as classes are just back underway and right after the Christmas/New Year Holiday.